MEET THE WINEMAKER
WITH WINE COUNTRY CONNECTION AND
JEFF PISONI
SOME BACKGROUND ON
JEFF PISONI
Jeff Pisoni, a prominent figure in California’s winemaking scene, comes from the renowned Pisoni family, which significantly contributed to the Santa Lucia Highlands’ acclaim. Growing up surrounded by farming and winemaking, Jeff’s passion for science naturally led him to pursue a career in winemaking.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Enology from California State University, Fresno. Before taking the helm as vintner at Pisoni, Jeff honed his craft at esteemed wineries such as Peter Michael and Bernardus. For Jeff, winemaking is a daily extension of his deep knowledge and love for the natural sciences.
The results are simply stunning and always a joy to taste. Here are five questions we asked Jeff that will give some insight into his winemaking philosophy and proscess.
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A Conversation with Renowned Winemaker Jeff Pisoni
WCC: What is your favorite varietal to work with, and why?
JEFF: If you’d allow it, I might offer two varieties here! Having grown up making Pinot Noir, it will always be a favorite variety to work with. It’s exciting, curious, stressful, and infinitely rewarding. I love it. But having made this for basically all my life, I have fun with other varieties, too. Right now, I really enjoy delicate white wines (we also make a Chenin Blanc). I find these varieties fascinating and sensitive. The aroma compounds are so delicate that it brings a great challenge in finding the perfect expression. Also, winemaking plays a big part in the expression, and one can learn a lot that can be applied to other varieties, like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
WCC: In your experience, what proves to be the most challenging aspect of being a winemaker?
JEFF: I have always felt winemaking is challenging because the most critical points boil down to singular moments that combine many different types of information, impressions, and conditions. For example, harvest is a critical time. We balance scientific information that we gather and measure (soil, climate info, chemistry), sensory info that we taste or smell, and intuitive feelings about how our decisions will impact this wine in this particular vintage. A similar analogy can be drawn about bottling. I really think one needs to be exceptional at managing information to be a great winemaker (weather, risk, past vintages, data, sensory impressions, etc.).
WCC: How do you approach creating a new wine, and what factors influence your decisions in the winemaking process?
JEFF: For me, it comes down to the place (vineyard site) and the history of a variety. I strongly feel that a winemaker needs to make decisions that enhance the expression of place and resonate with the history of that variety. A classic example of this is farming and making Chardonnay from Fort Ross – Seaview. It’s a Burgundian variety in a cold part of California, which is apparent in the wine and emphasized by our farming and hands-off winemaking style. Chardonnay, however, is still made in a wide array of styles. Linda, Lester, and I truly respect the Burgundian wines, which also help guide our focus on the winemaking approach.
WCC: Are there any specific trends or innovations in the wine industry that you’re least excited about and why?
JEFF: It seems like there are more trends now than ever! This is fun for consumers, but also makes it hard to track and I do not stay current with all of them. At the risk of sounding sheltered in the cellar, I really don’t invest too much time in the trends.
WCC: Can you share a unique aspect about yourself that people may not be aware of?
JEFF: Growing up on a farm taught me to be humble with respect to farming and winemaking. This is important because we, and our crops, are always at the mercy of Mother Nature. On any given day you can believe there is an amazing crop on the vine—with a sudden change of weather (or fire, as we learned in some areas), it can be gone.
Here are some wines Jeff made. Click on the name to read more and order on our secure Wine Country Connection website.
LUCIA 2021 by PISONI VINEYARDS – GARYS’ VINEYARD PINOT NOIR – $79.99
SEA SLOPES 2021 by FORT ROSS WINERY SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY – $27.99
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WARNING: Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol.
